The Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) is pleased to announce that the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, Timber Trail Sno Riders Snowmobile Club and Whiteswan Snow Hawks Snowmobile Club are the latest recipients of funding through the STA Member Grant program.

Through the program, grants of up to $1,000 for building new trails or undergoing maintenance projects such as updating maps, fixing signs, purchasing maintenance tools or adding GPS capabilities are available to STA members through an application process. The grants are reviewed by a volunteer committee.

“We are pleased to fund these worthy projects that will help to strengthen the trail network in Saskatchewan,” said STA President Saul Lipton. “This year’s funding will assist with new trails being built and existing trails undergoing much-needed renovation, while also help with the development of a new winter sport that’s generating widespread interest in our province.”

Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade is receiving $1,000 to support their Winter Fat Bike Groomed Trail Network. Fat bikes are off-road bicycles with oversized tires that are designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain such as snow, sand, bogs and mud. The group has been working with the City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority to establish a winter fat bike specific groomed trail network “Man of the Trees Winter Trail Network” in an abandoned tree farm at the edge of the city limits.

The STA is giving Timber Trail Sno Riders Snowmobile Club $500 toward the upkeep of their trail in Big River. Whiteswan Snow Hawks Snowmobile Club is also receiving $500. The group is looking to build a trail to be used by ATVs and snowmobiles running from East Trout Lake to Little Bear Lake. STA Member Grants are handed out annually.